by Mike Brudenell and George Sipple, USA TODAY Sports

by Mike Brudenell and George Sipple, USA TODAY Sports

Detroit Tigers ace Justin Verlander said Friday that there was a chance he will pitch for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic in March -- but much would depend on how he is progressing at spring training.

Verlander, the 2011 Cy Young Award winner and American League MVP, was making a stop on the Tigers Winter Caravan at the North American International Auto Show at the Cobo Center in Detroit.

During a Q&A session that included teammates Miquel Cabrera, Phil Coke and Torii Hunter, someone asked Verlander whether he was interested in playing in the WBC. Cabrera, the 2012 AL MVP and Triple Crown winner, is slated to represent Venezuela in the tournament.

"I spoke to (U.S. manager) Joe Torre about it," Verlander said. "But at the same time, I got to get myself ready for spring training. I feel great (right now), and I'd love to pitch for the USA."

The U.S. team starts its Classic schedule in Pool D on March 8 against Mexico at Chase Field in Phoenix, Ariz. There is still a spot open for a starting pitcher on Team USA. Teams have until Feb. 20 to file their formal rosters.

Meanwhile, Verlander will be golfing next month in the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am in California. He said he might be teamed with veteran Brian Gay, who won the Humana Challenge in a playoff Sunday.

Besides Verlander, Notre Dame football coach Brian Kelly, NFL quarterbacks Tony Romo and Aaron Rodgers and San Francisco Giants pitcher Matt Cain are among the sports celebrities who will be participating in the pro-am.

Has Verlander been practicing?

"Every day," he said with a big grin. "Not any different than normal, though."

Verlander admits it'll be totally different playing golf with a crowd of people watching.

"The only thing I have to draw off, experience wise: I was in a long-drive competition one time, and there was, maybe, 50 people watching," Verlander said. "The club was shaking in my hand. I have no idea how it's going to go. It'll be an experience, and I really look forward to it."

Verlander hasn't been working with a coach.

"No, I've never really taken a real lesson," he said. "Just kind of like togo out and play and enjoy the game."

What's the best part of his golf game?

"I guess I can hit the ball a long way," Verlander said. "If it goes straight, it's a good thing. If it goes crooked, it's not."